Hi, we are out of state and our son was accepted starting fall 2015. We are trying to determine whether it’s possible to save much by living off campus (as of jr yr) over the stated residence hall and meal plan costs. Also, whether living off campus really necessitates a car. Would appreciate feedback of those that have done so! Thanks!
A lot depends on which off campus you are considering…the places like Varsity, View, etc require a one year lease - it’s not based on the academic year like dorms are. So, technically, rent is higher. They are, of course, nicer than typical freshman dorms and while living, kitchen and bathroom space is shared, everyone has a private bedroom. It your son doesn’t plan on staying through the summer for a local internship or take summer classes, then understand you are paying 3 extra months of rent. Yes, you can sublet in most places, but I wouldn’t count/rely on that. Make that decision with that understanding and ability to pay for it assuming no sublet. It’s hard to compare on and off campus housing costs at this point though since there is a lot ofnew housing being built as we speak and it’s hard to say what rent will be and hard to say what reslife fees will be in over 2 years from now.
I’ve had friends with students in off-campus housing that are also OOS (I am, too) and they do not send cars with their kids. My son initially did not have one and was able to go to the store for food shopping with roommates that did have a car (he’s in on campus apartment). If no roommates have a car, and your son doesn’t want to use public transportation (or needs to get somewhere that buses doen’t go) there is always zip car which allows for students to rent as young as 18.http://www.zipcar.com/umd/
If you are looking to save $ by getting off the meal plan, there are on-campus housing options that allow for that - suites and apartments, but typically, it’s hard to get into one before junior year unless you know someone that is in that housing and “pulls you in.” However, the only way to qualify/be eligible for the nice on-campus housing is to keep your place in line for priority by staying in on campus housing. So, if you want good on campus housing as a junior don’t jump at the chance to live off-campus as sophomore because you will lose your ability to qualify for it.
The apartments can be really expensive. My son is in a 4 bedroom, 4 bath apartment at the View and it’s about 900 per month plus a small amount for utilities. That’s A LOT! But it’s been awesome for him. He was a transfer, and the location is actually better than the dorms for him, as he is a CS major, and it’s about a ten minute walk at most to most of his classes. It’s also great to have your own bathroom (although many have two people sharing), and of course you can save a lot of money by cooking, as it’s a full kitchen. You aren’t required to have a meal plan. We just load money on his card if he wants to eat at Stamp or a diner (he almost never eats at a diner). No need for a car, really. Giant delivers groceries with Peapod and you can take shuttles or buses places or even an Uber for an emergency. It’s not as easy to meet people as in a traditional dorm, but he is doing so. He knows a bunch of neighbors and meeting more every day (this is only his second semester). If his twin sister gets in this year (she’s transferring, too), she wants to live in the View, as well. Note that the Varsity and the View II can be LOUD if the apartment is above Route 1. My son’s actually faces the campus, so it’s pretty dang quiet. But with those apartments, you are signing a lease for a particular room in a particular unit, so you can try to choose. There are many other options for off-campus, including shared houses, but many of those require some type of bike, bus, etc.
lenmonster and maryversity thank you so much for the feedback! Unfortunately sounds like there is not any money to be saved by moving off campus then, good for us to know in terms of our evaluating schools and expenses.
Fwiw, the advantage of a full year rental is that if your son gets a “local” internship in DC, then he doesn’t have to scramble around for housing…and you don’t have to move all his stuff home every summer! FYI, if you are really long distance and want that benefit while he is still in a dorm, there are local public rental storage places to store the big items like a fridge and under the bed/closet storage boxes…
Actually, compared to other campuses I’m familiar with, UMD on campus housing prices aren’t too bad. My son debated about on or off campus for sophomore year, and he went with off campus, but it’s more expensive than on, because of the year long lease. He did like the idea of getting the on campus apartment for junior year, but really wanted to be able to cook for himself next year.
thank you maryversity and 1214mom, both very good points.